Sometimes you just need to get out and go for a drive. I have found that even when I'm just venturing out to the grocery store, I try to take the long way there and back to spend more time out in the car with my windows down, taking in the fresh air.
While our travel options are limited, a little weekend road trip is a great idea. You can visit a city just a few hours away from you and explore it, or you can spend most of your time in the car, just driving and taking in what you see. Maybe you've always wanted to see Route 66 but always had another trip at a higher priority. Now you can!
Wherever you decide to go and whatever you decide to do, there are some essential items to feel a little more comfortable spending hours in a car. Here's what you should have on your list.
Whether you're driving or someone else is, you want your neck and lumbar back to be supported while you're in the car. Just like you use an office chair with good support when you're sitting for eight-hour days, you want to treat your spine carefully on a road trip too!
Snacks are absolutely essential. But with that comes trash! You don't want to be stuffing bags and wrappers in weird places all over the car, so plan ahead with a trash bag holder. Also, if you want to keep your food and drinks cold, you probably don't want to be stuffed in a car with a giant cooler. Use a bag kind that you can easily grab from the back seat and pull out what you need.
Don't forget to be prepared for the worst! With a car emergency kit, you can trust that no matter where you end up (i.e. on a secluded cliffside with no cell phone service), you have a way to get yourself moving again, at least until you get some bars.
Along with preparing for emergencies, prepare for bad smells! You might drive past a skunk. Your lunch might smell up the car. You partner might insist on taking their shoes off. Whatever it is, you'll want some air fresheners on-hand just in case.
Follow Hayley Hyer @hayhyer